Excitement bubbles as Montreal gears up to host the only North American round of the 2025 Barista League on September 11. This single-night show pulls in top baristas, roasters, and coffee fans from across the continent to SATS, a venue already famous for championing coffee culture. Leading the charge behind the cupping tables, five distinguished judges—including science-minded Morgan Eckroth and astrophysicist specialty coffee expert Jonathan Gagné—will be on site to guide tastings and answer questions.
In the Roasters Village, teams like Café Pista and Rabbit Hole Roasters will set up tables where visitors can taste, talk, and learn new tricks. Games, prizes, and partner booths from Oatly, Toddy, and Rancilio—all official League sponsors—fill the rest of the space, turning the night into one big loud party for the Barista community. Coffee enthusiasts will experience an authentic showcase of third wave coffee culture that emphasizes craftsmanship and quality.
Montreal highlights stroll right through the doors: bilingual chatter, street art backdrops, and the smell of fresh bagels drifting in from nearby shops. With tickets starting at just eight dollars early-bird, locals and tourists can jump in without emptying their wallets.
Canada’s Queen City becomes the entire continent’s voice for 2025 because this is North America’s sole stop. Ordna Event Agency has tweaked the rules to make the show friendlier for viewers. Each continent now crowns one champion after six events, and Montreal’s ten team slots were chosen by a small jury from short essays and quick phone videos.
Montreal’s the lone North-American roar in 2025: ten hand-picked teams, rule tweaks, continent’s crown on a September night.
Every squad mixes seasoned vets with bright newcomers, keeping the mood upbeat. For the initial time, a filter-coffee station adds calm moments between the usual espresso bursts. Judging is faster and clearer so crowds can follow along on big screens.
Business ripples start the moment doors open. Producers talk directly to baristas; roasters meet future wholesale buyers; sponsors demo new grinders and milks. Names like Puqpress and Oatly use the floor as a live lab, letting guests feel tomorrow’s gear today. Past League grads now run world-leading cafés, proof that one twelve-hour sprint in a loud warehouse can build life-long bonds.
The League began ten years ago in Sweden and has now spread to four continents. Thousands of visitors and hundreds of competing teams later, its heart is still community, storytelling, and caffeine.
